On Nov. 5, 2024, registered voters across Massachusetts headed to the polls to weigh in, not only on the presidential election, but also on several key policy issues. This year’s ballot included five questions relating to education, drugs, wages and employee compensation. One particularly closely watched issue in the Brandeis community was Question 2, which asked voters whether the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) should remain a graduation requirement for high school students. Massachusetts, known for its high educational standards, has long required the MCAS as a benchmark, making this a significant question for voters. Eliminating the MCAS would remove some of the barriers to high school graduation many Massachusetts students face, particularly neurodivergent and marginalized communities. Massachusetts voted in favor of the measure, which could have significant ripples across the State, particularly in higher education and employment.
Of the five ballot questions, only two failed to pass. Emma, a staff member at Brandeis University, expressed disappointment with the failure of Question 5, a measure that would have gradually raised the minimum wage for tipped workers. For Emma and many other supporters, this legislation would have ensured that tipped employees—often marginalized in the service sector—could earn a livable wage regardless of customer tipping habits. “It’s about fair compensation for the hard work these workers do,” Emma said, highlighting the challenges for tipped employees, especially in smaller, locally owned businesses. However, some servers and other tipped workers feared that the measure could reduce their overall earnings or increase the financial strain on restaurants.
Brandeis Professor Mark Dellelo did not support Question 5, citing concerns about the potential impact on restaurants, particularly as the service industry continues to recover from the pandemic. Professor Dellelo “believes it would put too much pressure on restaurants” echoing concerns from those who feared the wage increase could hurt local businesses, especially as the industry struggles to recover from the COVID-19 related issues.
Among Brandeis students voting in Massachusetts, there was strong reaction to the ballot results. Avery, a junior, voiced frustration with the outcome. “I’m sad they didnt all fucking pass” he said. “These ballot questions are critical in the fight for workers’ rights in Massachusetts.”
Another controversial question on the ballot was Question 1, which would have allowed the state auditor to audit the legislature. This question sparked debate about constitutional boundaries, with critics arguing that it would violate the separation of powers. Although many Massachusetts voters agree on the need for accountability, they remain divided on how to achieve it. Dellelo argued in favor of transparency, stressing that transparency is a key issue for Massachusetts.
The results from this election highlight the range of perspectives on issues of governance, equity and constitutional interpretation, underscoring the complexity of achieving a more just and transparent society in Massachusetts.
